New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said he was 'deeply' saddened by the 'devastating' fire tragedy in the Charminar area of Hyderabad, which claimed 17 lives, including those of eight children.

In a post on X, Kharge urged Congress workers to rally around the affected families and offer assistance to them.

'I am deeply saddened by the devastating fire tragedy in the Charminar area of Hyderabad, which has claimed several precious lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time,' Kharge said on X.

'After speaking with the Chief Minister of Telangana, I am assured that the government is taking all necessary relief measures, including providing speedy and adequate compensation to those affected,' he added.

https://x.com/kharge/status/1924014424072876168

'I urge Congress workers to rally around the affected families and offer any assistance they can. Let us come together to support those in need and help them through this challenging period,' the Congress President appealed.

A preliminary examination into the fire at a building at Hyderabad's Gulzar House, in which at least 17 people lost their lives, indicated that a short circuit caused the massive blaze, a fire department official said on Sunday.

Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services DG, Y Nagi Reddy, said, 'The preliminary examination shows that the cause was a short circuit.'

The cause of death of all the 17 people was smoke inhalation, 'nobody had burn injuries,' Reddy said.

The list of the 17 deceased released by the Telangana Fire Disaster Response Emergency and Civil Defence includes the names of eight children under the age of 10.

The youngest in the list was identified as one Prathan (1.5 years old). The seven other children have been identified as Hamey (7), Priyansh (4), Iraaj (2), Arushi (3), Rishabh (4), Anuyan (3) and Iddu (4).

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep shock over the mishap and instructed top officials to take all necessary measures to save the families trapped in the fire accident. He issued orders to shift the injured to nearby hospitals and provide better medical treatment.

PM Modi said he was 'deeply anguished' by the loss of lives in the fire and announced an ex gratia, of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 50,000 to those injured in the mishap, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the kin of the deceased as per the Prime Minister's Office. (ANI)